Optical Fiber Battery Monitoring for In-Operando Dendrite Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current battery monitoring techniques are unable to provide real-time, in-operando monitoring of electrochemical devices, particularly for electrolyte electrochemical stability and dendrite growth, which are crucial for ensuring battery reliability and safety, due to their invasive nature and limited compatibility with harsh battery environments.
Innovation Solution
An optical fiber-based system and method that uses an optical fiber probe arranged inside the electrochemical device to monitor physical, chemical, and electrochemical parameters in situ and in real-time, including electrolyte chemistry and dendrite growth, by shedding input light and detecting output light to determine the state of health without perturbing battery operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional monitoring techniques (current/voltage probes, thermal probes) are used, then battery operation can be monitored, but the monitoring is invasive and cannot provide real-time in operando data on electrolyte stability and dendrite growth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical fiber probe as an intermediary sensing element that indirectly monitors battery parameters through optical interactions with the electrolyte and electrode surfaces. The probe uses evanescent field interactions to detect refractive index changes and surface morphology variations without direct electrical or mechanical contact with the battery components, thereby providing non-invasive monitoring capability while maintaining battery reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional electrical and mechanical sensing systems with an optical-based monitoring system. By substituting electrical probes and thermal sensors with optical fiber technology, the system eliminates invasive electrical contacts and mechanical stress points while enabling real-time detection of electrolyte stability and dendrite growth through optical property changes
2Measurement precision
If ex situ methods (infrared spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance) are used to monitor electrolyte decomposition, then valuable information about electrolyte stability can be obtained, but these techniques require specific cell designs that disrupt normal battery operation
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber probe serves multiple monitoring functions simultaneously - detecting electrolyte composition changes through refractive index variations, monitoring electrode surface conditions for dendrite growth, and tracking operational parameters during normal battery cycling. This multi-functional capability allows the same sensing system to adapt to various battery types and operating conditions without requiring specialized cell designs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent monitors changes in optical parameters (refractive index, light absorption, scattering) that correlate with electrolyte decomposition and electrode degradation. By tracking these parameter changes in real-time during normal battery operation, the system achieves precise measurement of electrolyte stability while maintaining full battery functionality and compatibility with standard battery designs
3Loss of information
If DTA apparatus or acoustic transmission mapping with liquid coupling agents are used, then in situ examination of electrolyte composition and depletion can be achieved, but the apparatus is cumbersome and requires additional materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential sensing function from complex external apparatus and integrates it into a compact optical fiber probe that can be directly inserted into the battery. By removing the need for external DTA equipment and acoustic coupling agents, the system achieves in situ electrolyte monitoring with minimal added complexity, using only the optical fiber probe and standard optical detection equipment
4Productivity
If optical fiber probe is used for in operando monitoring, then real-time data on electrolyte stability and dendrite growth can be obtained without perturbing battery operation, but the system requires implementation of multi-parameter sensors compatible with harsh electrolyte environments
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber probe is pre-coated with protective and functional layers (such as porous coatings or metal films) before insertion into the battery. These pre-applied coatings provide chemical resistance to the harsh electrolyte environment while maintaining optical sensitivity for detecting refractive index changes and surface morphology variations, thereby simplifying the overall implementation by eliminating the need for complex in-situ sensor fabrication
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables continuous, non-invasive monitoring of battery health and state of charge, detecting changes in refractive index and other parameters to predict potential failures such as dendrite growth and internal pressures, thereby enhancing battery safety and longevity.
Implementation Method 1
shedding an input light into the optical fiber probe and detecting an output light transmitted from the optical fiber probe
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for in operando, in situ, and real-time monitoring the state of an electrochemical device, e.g. battery, is provided, which is by means of an optical fiber probe inside the electrochemical device. The method includes: shedding an input light into the optical fiber probe and detecting an output light transmitted therefrom; and determining state of health of the electrochemical device based on the output light. The determination step can be based on a change of the refractive index or of the cladding mode or the surface plasmon resonance, all derived from the output light, in the instant state compared to a prior state. The method can simultaneously detect other parameters including state of charge, temperature, pressure, strain, displacement, vibration, or gas release inside the electrochemical device. With a core mode for correction, the determination of these parameters can also realize a high accuracy.